I need to replace the control arms on my '95 845T. On the last trip I took, at 80mph there was a bad shimmy in the steering wheel. Before tracking that down I noticed that turning into the parking lot at work, where there is a sharp cut in the concrete ramp, I'd hear a metallic rattle. Sounded like loose pads.

I just got out from under the car and the pads and end links are fine, but I can wiggle the driver's side hub about 1/4" against a sloppy ball joint.

I have another 1400 mile trip ahead, leaving Wednesday, so question is; if I get new control arms locally, how long to put two in? Looks like it could be easy. Is an air wrench needed? Otherwise I'm at the mercy of having it done in a garage and I have never been satisfied with other's work. I've always had to go back or re-do the job myself.

Should I go with OEM Volvo or is there a reliable aftermarket brand?

Thanks,

Erwin

'95 845T 180,000 miles

speedycarparts.com has TRW control arms for less than what you paid at autozone. TRW parts are built like tanks and might be what your car came with. The TRW tie rods I used last time 6 year ago are still tight. Highly recommend TRW parts.

Hi , I have had good results with the Febi Bilstein control arms on my 850t. RMEuropean supplied them to me at a good price with free shipping. Although they come from the west coast they arrived at my doorstep in Ma. quickly. Have used RM several times and have always been satisfied.

Dan

I went with Volvo control arms at the advice of my local Volvo independant mechanic. (Plus he provided me with the parts at a "sort-of" reasonable price.)

He told me the lower control arms are one thing that he insists on using Volvo parts because there is so much aftermarket junk out there.

I think this is what you wanted:
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/67558-easy-control-arm-removal-and-installation/

I really like OEM, but they are expensive:

http://www.tascaparts.com/parts/1995/VOLVO/850/TURBO/?siteid=213668&vehicleid=1434371&diagram=9709220

Klaus
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic

Klaus,

Thanks for the links. I've found a couple of others but more info is better. About Tasca, I went to Darrel Waltrip's Volvo site and found the same parts catalog and pricing. I'll be passing through Nashville Wednesday and Saturday so if I can get OEM for $120 or so, I will.

The AutoZone parts are going back.

Cheers,

Erwin

I stay away from Autozone if possible- they have a sour combination of high prices
and unpredictable quality. If the ball joints are "Made in China", keep on shopping.

Bill

if it all similar to my '98 S70, easy repair...two bolts, plus the ball joint end of things...air tools not essential, but speed things up a bit...several pry bars, in differing sizes, also helpful...I went OEM, but at a big discount via my local parts people, who did me a big favor price wise, vs. the local dealer...note...your post said you could wiggle drivers side hub...did you mean hub or whole assembly, if hub wiggles, time for a new one...just did one of those too...

No, the hub is good. Replaced them about 15,000 miles ago with Timkens. I meant that I can wiggle the entire assembly, hub, caliper, etc, without play in the ub bearing. The ball joint is what is worn.

Thanks,

Erwin

The control arm isn't too hard to change. The Chinese arm that FCP sent me first failed quickly and I think it's because they provided an ordinary soft steel locking bolt for the ball joint instead of a hardened threaded pin.
What happened was the soft threads flattened out quickly and allowed slop to develop.
Then FCP was good and they sent a Meyle arm that has held up OK so far,
but I still didn't see a threaded pin to lock the ball joint.
It looks grim for hopes of giant business to get their act together for
decent repair parts sometimes.

You should tighten the control arm bolts with the car on the ground (NOT on the
jack stands or lift)

Check the strut mount bushings, maybe install IPD heavy duty units so that
you get your money's worth out of the alignment you'll need. The strut mounts have a bad habit of wearing out too fast.

Bill

So I went to AutoZone since I'd like to put these on tomorrow night, get it aligned Tuesday and leave Wednesday. $101 each, Duralast brand, lifetime warranty.

Got home and the left one has a ScanTech card in the bag, the right looks like a different manufacturer. "HS" is embossed on the arm. Any ideas who the manufacturer is?

The ScanTech part feels noticeably lighter. Hardware came with both.

With all I've read about the poor quality of ScanTech parts, which I could order for less than $100 each, I've a mind to return them both and deal with it when I return.

Opinions welcome.

Thanks,

Erwin
'95 855T 180,000 miles